Why are “witches” often depicted as old and ugly, with large noses and chins, and warts on their noses? And what about the word “crone”? Is it always derogatory? The answers are tied in with paganism, Witchcraft, and the veneration of age, femininity, and wisdom.
Jenny, a pagan living in Massachusetts, writes, “Over the years I heard the old decrepit witch with a wart explained to me as the village wise woman. She is now old, has seen the years go by, has helped people with herbs, healed the sick, delivered babies, etc. As we age our nose and ears grow bigger, more wrinkles, etc. I thought it was a nice way to think of her.”
Jenny adds that she got this idea partly from Susun Weed, author and lecturer. (1) Jan Calloway Baxter paraphrases Ms. Weed’s ideas, writing, “Also, the witch is often a crone—dressed in the deep and nourishing black, the color of earth. Witches have long pointy noses and chins, because the cartilage in those areas of our faces continues to grow throughout our lives. Witches represent the crone aspect of women—our old age.” (2)
In our society, the word “crone” is often considered derogatory. American Heritage Dictionary defines crone as “An ugly, withered old woman, a hag…from Old North French carogne, carrion, cantankerous woman…” (3) But many feel differently. Many older women even wear the label proudly. Caroline A. Cook, massage and reiki specialist (4), writes, “Isn't a Crone a wise woman and someone who honors herself as such? I think there has been a misconception throughout history that all crones are hags and mean. But in today's society, Crone is an honor because we honor our older years and the wisdom we have gathered through life's experiences along the way.” (5)
For more information on ceremonies that celebrate becoming a Crone, including one way to conduct your own Croning ceremony, see blessedday.tripod.com/id62.html.
Readers: Do any of you consider yourself Crones? What does the image of an “ugly” old Witch mean to you? Leave a comment on this article!
(1) For more on Susun Weed, see www.herbshealing.com/SusunWeed.htm.
(2) www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/October10/healingwise.htm From an essay, © 2010 Jan Calloway Baxter. To buy CDs with Ms. Weed’s original words, see www.herbalmedicinehealing.com/store/item_view.asp?estore_itemid=10001166.
(3) American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition, 2000.
(4) For more on Ms. Cook’s massage and reiki sessions in Florida, see www.sacredserenitymassage.com.
(5) www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crone, posted 5/11/11
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